IMUS CITY, CAVITE - Imus has officially received the new retarding basin in Barangay Anabu 1-G, a vital flood-mitigation project designed to protect downstream communities from sudden flash floods along the Imus River. The turnover ceremony on August 31, 2026, was personally led by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, underscoring the national government's commitment to addressing the province's long-standing flood problem.
A Partnership That Brings Safety to Cavite Communities
The Imus Retarding Basin is a joint project between the DPWH and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, developed under a comprehensive flood management master plan prepared by JICA . The facility includes an 84-meter overflow dike, standing an average of three meters in height, with approximately 1.3 kilometers of surrounding dune and 1.1 kilometers of separating dike . The DPWH excavated around two million cubic meters of soil to achieve a depth of seven meters across the 35-hectare land area .
Designed to temporarily store rainwater during high rainfall or peak flood volume, the retarding basin helps mitigate flood damage by holding excess water and gradually releasing it at a regulated flow rate to the Imus River . The project also includes another retarding basin in Bacoor, which has two temporary storage ponds connected by a sluiceway totaling nine hectares to contain floodwaters during storms . Together, these two basins are part of a PHP3-billion flood risk management project funded by JICA.
A Project That Addresses Persistent Flooding in Cavite
Cavite has experienced rapid urbanization over the past decades, resulting in increased paved surfaces, reduced natural drainage, and higher flood runoff during heavy rainfall . The recent Habagat rains have submerged several areas in Cavite, with floodwaters reaching chest- to head-high levels in some communities . The Imus Retarding Basin is expected to reduce flooding by approximately 30 percent .
The basins are located in low-lying areas that experience regular flooding due to the San Juan River, Imus River, and Ylang-Ylang River, as well as interconnected drainage systems leading to Manila Bay . The facility is managed by the Cavite Provincial Government, which has allocated PHP2.5 million for its maintenance, significantly exceeding the estimated PHP500,000 suggested in the operation and maintenance manual . During the dry season, the retarding basin can also serve as a recreational open area, potentially functioning as a soccer field, baseball field, or park for community use.
